Indian Seafarers sound alarm over DGS Circular 31 of 2025; Union urges immediate revocation
MUMBAI : In a strong appeal to the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), the All India Seafarer & General Worker Union has raised serious concerns over the impact of DGS Circular 31 of 2025 on Indian seafarers’ employment. The union has officially urged the Directorate to review and revoke the circular, citing widespread distress and job losses across the seafaring community.
The union, in a letter addressed to Shri Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, revealed that over 500 emails and representations have been received from Indian seafarers nationwide, expressing anxiety over diminishing job opportunities directly linked to the circular’s implementation. Additionally, 30 seafarers have formally submitted grievances through the union’s official channels.
“This circular is causing massive job losses and uncertainty for thousands of Indian seafarers. We strongly urge the authorities to revoke it immediately to protect the future of Indian seafaring professionals and their families,” said Mr. Abhijeet Sangle, Working President of the All India Seafarer & General Worker Union.
The union has called on the DGS to review and reconsider the circular in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, ensuring that:
- Employment opportunities for Indian seafarers are not unfairly curtailed.
- Policy decisions are taken transparently and in the national interest.
- The livelihoods of Indian families dependent on maritime employment are safeguarded.
Highlighting the far-reaching consequences of Circular 31 of 2025, the union has also expressed readiness to support the Directorate in any discussion, representation, or verification exercise required to resolve the issue.
The appeal has gained momentum on social media platform X, where the union issued an urgent call for intervention with the post: “Over 500+ Indian Seafarers have raised concerns against DGS Circular 31 of 2025. Our union has verified many cases and is processing many more. This circular is causing massive job losses.”
The matter is now under review, and stakeholders across the Indian maritime industry are closely watching the Directorate’s next move.